Kaikohe Berries and T&G Fresh Partnership Strengthens Horticulture at Ngāwhā
- Abbey Duncan-Hughes
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
A new partnership between Kaikohe Berries and T&G Fresh will expand berry production at the Ngāwhā Innovation & Enterprise Park, further cementing the Park’s role as a hub for horticultural enterprise in the Far North.
The joint venture, T&G Kaikohe Berryfruit Limited Partnership, will lease Kaikohe Berries’ orchards and packhouse under a 9.5-year agreement. The operation is expected to employ around 20 people in the first year and up to 40 during harvest, creating valuable local employment and skills development opportunities.
Building on success at Ngāwhā
Kaikohe Berries was formed in 2021 and is jointly owned by Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company (80%) and Far North Holdings (20%). Its success with strawberries has already shown the potential for horticulture at Ngāwhā, and this new partnership with T&G Fresh will bring in the expertise, innovation and scale to take berry production to the next level.
Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company chairman Nick Wells said the partnership would unlock access to advanced genetics, new berry varieties and greater efficiencies.
“This partnership gives us a runway of nine and a half years to maximise sector expertise, market access, innovation, skills training and efficiencies, as well as working capital, to strengthen our horticulture asset and our own skills and capability,” Wells said.
Expanding production and innovation
T&G Fresh managing director Rod Gibson noted that the timing was right, with berry plants typically lasting seven to eight years compared with longer-lived orchards such as apples. He described the agreement as “the stars aligned”, citing strong demand for berries in New Zealand and globally.
The Ngāwhā site currently has 10 hectares of tunnel houses, with capacity for expansion. Through the partnership, new cultivars of blueberries and strawberries will be introduced. These varieties can be harvested in winter and early spring — a move that will reduce reliance on imported berries and provide Kiwi consumers with fresh, local fruit.
Community benefits
The partnership also continues Kaikohe Berries’ strong connection with the local community. Jobs for the community will remain a priority, with locals continuing to be able to buy
fresh berries from the supermarket shelves, while seconds would continue to be offered to community groups,
“The connection with the community has been quite strong and that’s something we’re looking to maintain,” Wells said.
